Radcliffe Athletic Club welcomed 52 Burnden Road Runners, a quarter of the total field of 212, as their contribution to the Central Lancashire Grand Prix returned as the Radcliffe 5K.
A little earlier than last year’s September race, this course begins at Sedgley Park Rugby Club, and the multi-terrain race adopts parts of the popular but tough 13 Arches Half Marathon. Runners passed over the wobbly motorway footbridge before heading to the trails of Philips Park. A sting in the tail awaits in the form of a challenging climb up locally known ‘Heartbreak Hill’.
Despite the incredible challenge to reach the summit, times flew in to make the Club proud with the top three Burndeners bringing sub 20s.
Mark Whittington claimed top spot and 1st MV50 in 19:17 – over a minute faster than in 2023. Second in and seconds later was Suleman Badat in 19:23 and 2nd MV45 whilst third home was Matt Dewhurst in 19:37.
Top three ladies were Vicki Hamer in 24:57, Lyndsay Darbyshire – 1st FV55 in 25:00 and Gwen Kinloch – 1st FV60 in 25:09. Kathryn Baron took 2nd FV55 in 26:33 and Marie Parkinson 2nd FV60 in 26:18.
More Vet Cat accolades came soaring as Mark Cannon took 1st MV60 in 22:03, Marcus Hamer took 2nd MV65 in 24:12 and Philip Glassbrook 2nd MV75 in 32:53. Keith Thomas claimed 3rd MV65 in 25:28, Tom Stratton 3rd MV40 in 20:46 and Paul Christie 3rd MV70 in 28:39.
For more racing Radcliffe results, click here
12 HOURS NON-STOP FOR OUR CREW
Occasionally there comes along a running event where some might say a straight up no – simply because it sounds like too much of a good thing. Running for 12 hours straight? Eek!
Yet this is what 4 of our intrepid club members did and it isn’t actually as hellish as it first sounds…
The Manvers Dusk Till Dawn is an endurance event completed over 12 hours and is both a team and individual effort of running around a lake while camping out under the stars. Featuring no vampires, it is suitable for runners of varying abilities and encourages them to complete as many 5K laps as possible.
Starting at 6pm, Ravi Patel, Ian Mann, Vicki Hamer and Sarah Watton all took on the mighty challenge until 6am. Finishing with aching soles and many kilometres under their belts, here are the total laps of our fab 4.
Ian – 5 laps (25K), Sarah – 8 laps (40K), Vicki – 11 laps (55K), Ravi – 15 laps (75K).
PB FOR KERMODE AS BURNDENERS SADDLE UP
A unique opportunity at a world-famous location, the Aintree 10K is held on the track and marshals cheer you on to a chequered flag finish. Michael Kermode completed the two laps in a galloping 39:47 – setting himself a new PB. Kermode was followed by Alistair Marland who cantered over the line in 51:50 and Megan Lord, hooves home in 1:02:42. Birthday boy Tony Fulop completed the quartet – trotting to the finish in 1:12:37.
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